3D decorative adhesive panels can be an excellent option to renew any space, providing an aesthetic and modern finish without the need for major works. But let’s see what my experience was when installing brick imitation foam panels in white color in my small woodworking workshop.
Preparation and selection of foam panels for walls
The initial goal was to improve the lighting in the workshop, for which I considered painting the boards white. However, I finally decided to buy brick imitation foam panels in white. These panels will not only improve the light and hopefully the quality of my videos, but also add a decorative touch.
Characteristics of the panels
The panels come in a box with 10 pieces, each panel being approximately 77 by 70 cm. They are very thin and light, and have a 3D relief that imitates rustic bricks.
They have the advantage of being self-adhesive, but the adhesive is quite strong and requires precision when placing them to avoid damaging the foam.
Installation of the wall panels
In my workshop, the acoustics are not the most suitable for recording videos, so I came up with the idea of using foam pieces, cut from an acoustic screen that I have for the microphone, and placing them in the corner with the panels on top. My idea is that this will work as a bass trap.
But okay, I admit I have my doubts that the invention will really work. Also, this made installation in the corners more complicated. If you plan to do this DIY task at home, you will find that you will not have as much trouble aligning the panels as I did in the corner.
To align the panels correctly, it might be a good idea to mark vertical lines on the wall following the vertical edges of the panels in the bottom row. Or we could use a laser and safety glasses.
Process of installing the panels on the wall
- Remove the protective paper: Start by removing the protective paper on one side of the panel.
- Align the panels: Horizontally align the bricks with the panels already installed. It is essential to adjust them correctly the first time, as the adhesive is very strong and can damage the foam if repositioned.
- Avoid stretching: Be careful not to stretch the panel while placing it, as this can cause misalignments and excessive wrinkles in the panel, or even difficult-to-correct gaps.
I decided to overlap the edges of the panels
The edges of the panels are not well cut, being wider in some areas and too narrow in others. To prevent the wall board from showing through, I decided to overlap the edges. Putting edge to edge, like when putting wallpaper on the wall, I think would be complicated. Or maybe it would be the right thing to do, I don’t know.
The disadvantage of this is that when we look at the joints, we see one edge over another. But since this is a project for my home woodworking workshop, it is not something that matters to me.
Anyway, I encourage you to look for videos on YouTube to see how other people install them.
Problems I encountered when sticking the panels
Adhesion and detachment
During installation, it is common for the panels to stick to your fingers, and when peeling them off, we can tear off pieces of foam. Also, the foam can stretch when pulled and contract when we insist on adjusting it, trying to align the panel. The next day I found that some panels had moved, even leaving some gaps. To minimize these problems:
- Work without rushing and adjust each panel carefully.
- Place the panel in its position before removing the paper that covers the back, to check how it will align with the ones we already have installed.
- Avoid pulling the panel so as not to stretch it.
- Avoid touching the adhesive so it does not stick to our fingers.
- Check the alignment of the panels regularly during the process.
Alignment and adjustment
The adhesive is quite strong and adheres very quickly to the wall. This makes it very difficult to correct the position of the already glued parts. It is noticeable that if we try to peel off a part, there is a high risk that the foam will break. Therefore, you have to proceed carefully, verifying that you are going to stick each part in its place the first time.
Final result and maintenance
At the end of the process, despite the small inconveniences and although some panels were not perfectly aligned, the result was quite acceptable. Although it seems that in the areas where I stretched the panels, they tried to shrink back. Moreover, in one of the areas, they did shrink and left a gap with a small surface of the panel visible.
Something important in my case is that these white brick imitation panels do not cause much glare, so I hope not to encounter those problems when the video camera records towards them. And they seem to reflect the light well, so I improved the lighting when recording the videos. Okay, I also bought some new bulbs, which always helps.
Durability and cleaning
The texture of the panel when touched is like hard latex. And although the foam seems hard, it is susceptible to breaking if hit with hard objects. However, it seems easy to clean with a damp cloth thanks to its plasticized surface.